This recipe book was inspired by the writer's son who left for university with virtually no cooking ability. He did, however, like to eat! This is the SECOND EDITION and has 50% more recipes than it's previous best selling edition. There is a PHOTOGRAPH with each recipe - most students seem to complain that "they can't see what it looks like" and so they don't bother. NO MEASURING JUGS or WEIGHING SCALES are required - only a mug, tablespoon and teaspoon. These are found in student kitchens but not much more! The stitched and glued spine, heavy plastic cover and matt gloss pages allow it to be laid out flat without damage and rubbed clean easily. All this makes it ideal for "challenging" student kitchen environments. The recipes are planned so that you need the minimum of pans, dishes and utensils. The star ratings ***** are an indication of how easy the recipes are. Most of the meals in the book are healthy and well balanced but there is the odd over indulgent one! Approximately half the recipes are either vegetarian or have a vegetarian alternative. If you are a "fish eating vegetarian" then there are plenty of recipes for you also.